Use of air tamponade in macular hole surgery

Abstract

A full-thickness macular hole is a defect in the fovea involving full-thickness extending from internal limiting membrane (ILM) to photoreceptor layer. It needs surgical treatment with the maintenance of prone position postoperatively. Over the years, our understanding regarding the closure of macular hole has improved with optical coherence tomography and various studies have shown varying success results. Conventionally, following vitrectomy and ILM peeing, tamponade of intraocular gas is done to keep the macula dry in the postoperative period. Controversy exists regarding the type of tamponade and the duration of prone position. In this case report, we discuss a case of full-thickness macular hole that was managed surgically with air tamponade.

Keywords

• air tamponade
• macular hole
• vitrectomy